At MSU-Northern, faculty and staff are encouraged to submit two different kinds of referrals so that proactive measures can be taken by the institution to assist students in need of support. 

Academic Alerts

Purpose: To proactively identify and address academic concerns about students. These reports are addressed by the Academic Alert team, including Student Support Services, the Accessibility Resources Coordinator, the Dual Enrollment Coordinator, OTLE, and others as necessary.

Steps to submit:

1. Access the Academic Alert form at irvm.msun.edu (button "SIS: Academic Alert") or by clicking the "bell" icon on the MSUN Faculty/Staff homepage. 

2. An Academic Alert Team member will reach out to the student and walk them through next steps, which usually includes connecting them with relevant support offices or procedures such as: SSS tutoring/advising, Accessibility Resources, Financial Aid, or OTLE/ITS for technical assistance.

3. Students are typically contacted within 24 hours. If you revisit the alert submission area, the team member will have left a note that the student has been contacted. If you continue to notice concerning patterns, please submit another Academic Alert.

Examples of issues that are often reported in Academic Alerts include:

  • Low or no attendance
  • Low exam or test scores (especially D or F work)
  • Pattern of missing, incomplete, or low-quality assignments
  • Low engagement or participation

CARE Report

Purpose: To proactively identify and address behavioral and mental healthconcerns about students. These reports are addressed by the CARE Team, which is overseen by the Dean of Students.

Steps to submit:

1. Access www.msun.edu/carereport or by clicking on the “heart” icon on the MSUN Faculty/Staff homepage. After submitting, you will receive an email confirming that the report was received.

2. A CARE Team member will reach out to the student and connect them with appropriate services, such as mental health counseling. The Team does its best to address imminent concerns immediately.

3. If you continue to notice concerning behaviors, please submit another CARE Report.

Examples of issues that are often reported in CARE Reports include:

  • Death of a family member/friend
  • Self-harm or suicidality
  • Physical health concerns
  • Mental health concerns (social withdrawal; substance use; changes in behavior, hygiene, etc.)
  • Relationship issues
  • Basic needs emergencies
  • Unusual absences